Sliding Door Roller Assembly for Single-Track Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-sliding door systems in autonomous vehicles require improved roller assemblies to maintain stability and prevent unwanted movement and noise when one track member is omitted, as existing solutions lack sufficient support and torque counteraction.
Innovation Solution
The roller assembly incorporates a bracket structure with a first and second vertical guide roller, a resiliently arranged rotatable member, and at least one outer horizontal guide roller to interact with the track member, providing enhanced stability and counteracting torque in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one track member is omitted to simplify the door system, then device complexity is reduced, but stability and support for the door weight deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is divided into multiple independent roller elements (first vertical guide roller, second vertical guide roller, resiliently arranged rotatable member, outer horizontal guide roller) that each contact different surfaces of the track member, distributing the support function across multiple contact points rather than relying on a single track member
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assembly contacts the track member at multiple dimensional levels - vertical surfaces (inner vertical surface), horizontal surfaces (first inner surface, second inner surface), and outer vertical surfaces, creating a multi-dimensional support structure that compensates for the omitted track member
2Device complexity
If one track member is omitted, then device complexity is reduced, but counteraction of torque in multiple directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different roller elements are positioned to contact specific local surfaces of the track member (inner vertical surface, first inner surface, second inner surface, outer vertical surface), with each contact point providing localized force counteraction in specific directions, collectively addressing torque in multiple directions
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently arranged rotatable member provides active counteraction to torque forces through its resilient mounting, which allows it to deflect and absorb torque in multiple directions while maintaining contact with the track member
3Stability of the object's composition
If a resiliently arranged rotatable member is added to improve stability, then door stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently arranged rotatable member acts as an intermediary element between the roller assembly and the track member, providing a compliant contact point that absorbs variations in track member alignment and provides active torque counteraction through its resilient mounting
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures increased stability and reduced torque, allowing the door to open and close smoothly without oscillation, even when one track member is omitted, and can be adapted for various door types and weights.
Implementation Method 1
A resiliently arranged rotatable member (8) arranged to interact with a second inner surface (7b) of the track member (1c)
Implementation Method 2
a first inner horizontal guide roller (4a) and a second inner horizontal guide roller (4b) arranged to interact with an inner vertical surface (5) of the track member (1c)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a roller assembly (2c) for a sliding vehicle door (100). The roller assembly (2c) comprises a bracket structure (3) comprising a first and second inner horizontal guide roller (4a, 4b) arranged to interact with an inner vertical surface (5) of the track member (1c). The bracket structure (3) further comprises at least a first and second vertical guide roller (6a, 6b) arranged to interact with a first inner surface of the track member (1c), a resiliently arranged rotatable member (8) arranged to interact with a second inner surface of the track member (1c) and at least one outer horizontal guide roller (9a, 9b) arranged to interact with an outer vertical surface (10) of the track member (1c). The invention also relates to a system comprising a roller assembly (2c) for a sliding vehicle door (100) and a track member (1c) of a vehicle (20).